Sunday, December 22, 2024

Why Vanderbilt women’s basketball forward Sacha Washington has become NASCAR fan

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LEBANON – Vanderbilt women’s basketball’s Sacha Washington has turned to a new sport — NASCAR.

The Commodore is interning with the Nashville Superspeedway as part of its communications team during this weekend’s NASCAR events. 

This marks the second straight year that a Vanderbilt basketball player has landed an internship during the annual NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400. Last year, former Vanderbilt guard Jordan Wright was an intern during the weekend’s NASCAR races.

Washington always planned to land a sports internship and used her off-court connections to help her land at the track. She was seemingly thrown a curveball, having no previous exposure or racing knowledge. But even through the new experience, the Lawrenceville, Georgia native is taking it all in until the final checkered flag is waved.

“I knew I wanted to do something in regards of sports… I know nothing about race cars, but I wanted to try something new. It’s been really fun,” Washington said. “I’ve never thought going out (to Atlanta Motor Speedway) but coming here it’s a nice, new environment… So I’m really enjoying it.”

Washington’s first was the Craftsman Truck Series Rackley Roofing 200 on Friday night. It’s a moment she will remember forever.

“(The Rackley Roofing 200) was different. Definitely loud, but the environment has been cool so far,” Washington said. “It was peaceful just to look outside and see all the cars going.”

More: Who won NASCAR Truck Series race in Nashville? Winner is Christian Eckes, plus full results

The 6-foot-2 forward started all 33 games in her junior season for the Commodores. She averaged a team high 7.9 rebounds. She was also the team’s second-leading scorer with 12.1 points per game.

Even though dominating on the court is still Washington’s main focus, she said her experience this weekend has her open to potentially returning to intern in the future.

“This is definitely something I could do again,” she said.

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